1985-1987: Best Ryder Cup quotes

By Will Medlock
On Aug 1, 2018, 5:25am EDT

With less than two months until The 42nd Ryder Cup begins at Le Golf National in France, rydercup.com looks back on the best quotes from previous Ryder Cups.

We start with a turning point in the history of the competition, when Europe claimed victory in 1985 at The Belfry, their first win since 1957 when they were still just Great Britain. Tony Jacklin led his team to a 16½ - 11½ win in England against Lee Trevino's men, with Seve Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo all part of the side that halted what seemed like an unstoppable American machine.

Here are the best quotes from the aftermath of that famous triumph...

"We must say that maybe 80% of the victory is thanks to all the British people, because they are just fantastic. They cannot be better." - Seve Ballesteros, on the role played by the fans at The Belfry.

"Never have I felt as wonderful as I feel today. And never will I feel as wonderful." - Sam Torrance, following his decisive singles victory over Andy North.

"28 years. That's my age." - Bernhard Langer, on the wait to end the United States' dominance.

"In the past it was always us who missed those putts. That has to crush them." - Tony Jacklin, on a close-range missed putt by Craig Stadler.

Two years later, Europe took home the Samuel Ryder trophy for the first time in America, claiming a 13-15 win at Muirfield Village Club in Dublin, Ohio.

Tony Jacklin again skippered Europe against the United States' Jack Nicklaus, just a year after the Golden Bear's famous win at the Masters Tournament at the age of 46. José María Olazábal made his Ryder Cup debut and forged a formidable partnership with compatriot Seve Ballesteros, with the duo winning three out of four points over the first two days.

Let's take a look at some of the classic quotes that followed that historic win...

"Our guys just weren't quite as tough as their guys." - Jack Nicklaus, conceding that the Europeans had an edge on his American side.

"I'm the proudest man in Europe." - Tony Jacklin, following his team's milestone victory on American soil.

"We are playing for history. It's like playing for your life." - Nick Faldo, on the significance of wearing the European colours.

"When you play for so many, it makes you strong." - Seve Ballesteros, on his role within the team.

"I never thought I'd live to see golf played like it was today." - Tony Jacklin, on Europe's Saturday performance, which saw earn 4½ points.